The Red Hat Society: Connecting Women Over 50 in Zoetermeer
Rode hoeden, paarse kleding, and a wide smile – these are the trademarks of the members of the Red Hat Society. This women’s organization, active in Zoetermeer, was founded in 1998 by Sue Ellen Copper in California. The main goal of the Red Hat Society is to connect women over the age of 50 through cultural and sporting activities. The organization has since spread worldwide and is divided into chapters, each led by a queen with her court. The only rules are to wear a red hat and purple clothing and to have as much fun as possible. Additionally, each member chooses a noble title and name for themselves.
In Zoetermeer, the Red Hat chapter has been active for 15 years. Queen Coccinella, the founder, was introduced to the organization by a friend in Den Helder. After attending a national open day, she was immediately drawn to the concept and purchased her first red hat. She gathered a group of like-minded women in Zoetermeer through word of mouth and newspaper advertisements, and the Zoetermeerse chapter was born.
The chapter’s first group activity was a visit to a hat-making workshop, where they collaborated on creating a large hat together. This experience was so enjoyable that they decided to meet monthly and take turns organizing activities. Meetings usually take place on Saturdays during the day to accommodate working members, with occasional evening gatherings at someone’s home. After nine years, Queen Coccinella passed the torch to Countess Chapeau Rouge, who had been the chapter’s photographer. She accepted the role as Queen Louise, with Lady Bird as the former queen. As a tribute to the founder, the chapter was renamed De Coccinellas, previously known as Rode Hoeden in het Groene Hart.
One of the chapter’s favorite events is the annual convention day, where all Dutch chapters come together at different locations each year. These gatherings typically attract around 450 members from various chapters. Due to the age of their members, the Zoetermeer chapter now prefers to attend events closer to home. They enjoy local outings such as visits to the sand sculptures in Garderen, Amsterdam, the Zaanse Schans, and Prinsjesdag in The Hague.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the chapter’s regular meetings, but they are slowly resuming their activities. Lunches, high teas, petanque games, horse and carriage rides, and boat trips are among the recent activities being planned. While some members take the lead in organizing events, the most important aspect for the group is to have fun and enjoy each other’s company. Laughter and camaraderie are at the heart of the Red Hat Society in Zoetermeer.